Manitowoc man allegedly stole gun, punched teen

MANITOWOC – Charges were filed Wednesday against an 18-year old Manitowoc man who turned himself in earlier this week after being sought by police, who believed him to be armed and potentially dangerous.

Cortez R. Watkins faces felony charges of burglary armed with a dangerous weapon and child abuse as well as other charges in Manitowoc County Circuit Court.

Watkins stole a .22-caliber semi-automatic handgun from a home on Manitowoc’s north side, according to the probable cause statement. The theft was reported on Saturday morning.

On Saturday afternoon, Watkins is accused of punching a 15-year-old boy in the face near Washington Park after the two exchanged words; the boy suffered numerous broken jaw bones and lost teeth in the assault, according to court records.

Watkins had allegedly been showing off the gun at a house party on Saturday evening, police told HTR Media earlier.

Watkins was out on bail for misdemeanor obstructing an officer charge during Saturday’s incidents. Police said he has a lengthy juvenile and adult police record.

Watkins is scheduled for an initial court appearance at 2:30 p.m. on Monday.